• Loading stock data...
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

CBS Sports Off To Best NFL Television Start in 12 Years

  • Packers-Patriots draws biggest Week 4 audience since CBS’ return to NFL in 1998.
  • NFL on CBS games are averaging 18.559 million viewers through Week 4.
Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports

Before kicking off NFL’s 2022 season, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus likened the league to a speeding “freight train” that only gets bigger and faster every year.

At the quarter pole of the season, McManus appears to be as talented at predictions as his star analyst Tony Romo.

CBS is off to its best NFL start in 12 years, with the “NFL on CBS” game telecasts averaging 18.559 million viewers so far this season.

The network’s late Sunday afternoon broadcast of the Green Bay Packers’ 27-24 overtime victory over the New England Patriots at venerable Lambeau Field averaged a whopping 24.647 million viewers. 

That was up 8% from last season’s comparable telecast. It marked CBS’s most-watched Week 4 game window since the network returned to the NFL rotation in 1998.

Meanwhile, Paramount+, which streams live local-market games, is on pace for its most-streamed NFL season ever. 

During Week 4, the platform scored double-digit year-over-year growth in households, minutes and average minute audience (AMA). 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Draymond Green

NBA Ratings Up 30% Through First Month Despite Star Injury Woes

The NBA added NBC and Amazon as new media partners this season.
WORCESTER - WWE star Zelina Vega makes her return alongside NXT stars Legado del Fantasma during "WWE Friday Night SmackDown" at the DCU Center, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

The CW Says Nielsen WWE Ratings Drop ‘Lacks Credibility’

The CW says the new measurement process creates “inexplicable” findings.
Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; CBS sports broadcaster Bill Cowher before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

Paramount, Comcast, Netflix Submit Bids for All or Part of WBD

WBD wants the strategic review process to be done by end of year.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive

The WNBA’s Million-Dollar Offer Isn’t What It Seems

The league’s most recent offer still includes a six-figure maximum base salary.

Featured Today

Nov 16, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrate after scoring during extra time against Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium

The NWSL Is Growing at Breakneck Pace. Can It Keep Surging?

While the league surges, it also must survive two major challenges.
Trinity Rodman
November 20, 2025

NWSL Regular-Season Ratings See Big Surge, Playoffs Up 5%

Regular-season viewership grew by over 20%, averaging more than 200,000.
Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump carry the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the presentation after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
November 19, 2025

Trump-MBS White House Dinner Showcases Saudi Sports Influence 

Attendees included Ronaldo, Bryson DeChambeau, and the owner of the 76ers.
November 19, 2025

ABC, ESPN Bounce Back With Big CFB Ratings After YouTube TV Deal

Oklahoma-Alabama and Texas-Georgia drew more than 10 million viewers.
November 20, 2025

NFL Morning Games Break Ratings Record As Global Slate Grows

International games on NFL Network averaged 6.2 million viewers.
Jul 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; FC Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane (9) and defender Jonathan Tah (4) react a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
November 21, 2025

Paramount Is Gunning for ESPN’s Live Sports Crown

Paramount won the media rights to show the UEFA Champions League in the U.K.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
Nov 19, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks on during the second quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
November 20, 2025

MLB’s TV Hot Stove Market Heating Up

“Suddenly, it’s a great time to be a baseball talent.”
Jun 28, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Jake Paul leaves the ring following his victory against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center.
November 20, 2025

Jake Paul Takes Massive Risk With Anthony Joshua Netflix Fight

It would be a “shock if Joshua didn’t knock him out.”
November 19, 2025

MLB Finalizes Short-Term TV Rights Deals, Adds NBC and Netflix

MLB reworked its ESPN deal, made new ones with NBC and Netflix.
Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field.
opinion
November 18, 2025

NFL Refs Are Ruining the TV Experience

The Eagles–Lions game was just the latest example of bad calls.